Rheumatoid Arthritis

Question 1

What is it

Answer 1

Chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the joints causing joint destruction

Question 2

Features

Answer 2

Bilateral joint pain
Morning stiffness lasting LONGER than 30 minutes
Swelling
Joint deformities
Fatigue
Rheumatoid nodules
Systemic symptoms such as fever and unexplained weight loss

Question 3

Epidemiology

Answer 3

Affects 1% of the global population
More common in woman - 3:1
30 to 60

Question 4

Age

Answer 4

Adults aged - 30 to 60

Question 5

Risk/ Cause

Answer 5

HLA-DRB1 Gene
Genetics
Gender - female
Smoking
Obesity
Infections - Epstein Barr as potential trigger

Question 6

Presentation

Answer 6

Bilateral pain
Swelling
Morning stiffness lasting LONGER than 30 minutes
Fatigue
Fever
Dry eyes, mouth
Metacarpophalangeal joints
Proximal interphalangeal joints
Severe- joint deformities, rheumatoid nodules, possible affecting major organs e.g heart and lungs

Question 7

Prognosis

Answer 7

DMAD’s - disease modifying anti rheumatic drugs
Joint destruction
Anti inflammatory injections
Early treatment - more manageable